Beyond the Baubles: Supporting Your Team Through the Holidays

It’s that time of year again. The run-up to Christmas!

Shops are bursting with tinsel displays that could be seen from space, Noddy Holder is warming up his vocal cords to shout “It’s Christmas!!!” for the hundredth time, and every radio station is on a loop of festive hits.

The supermarkets are stacking mince pies into architectural wonders, champagne’s on offer (again), and gherkins are flying off the shelves because they’ll “come in”

It’s the season of sparkles, sequins, and spreadsheet chaos. Staff rotas, holiday cover, last-minute deadlines, Christmas parties - all juggled with a festive grin and a cup of lukewarm mulled wine.

Offices are donning fairy lights, Secret Santa gifts are piling up (some better than others), and the annual “who’s wearing the loudest jumper” competition is in full swing.

For many, it’s a time of joy and connection. But here’s the truth HR professionals and business owners know all too well: not everyone feels merry and bright.

Behind the glitter and goodwill, Christmas can be one of the hardest times of the year for some people. Bereavement feels sharper when there’s an empty seat at the table. Separation, loneliness, financial pressure, or past trauma can quietly shadow the sparkle.

For others, the social demands of the season - the parties, the noise, the expectations - can be overwhelming.

And in the workplace, that can show up in subtle ways:

• A team member who suddenly withdraws or seems distracted.

  
  

• Someone avoiding the festivities, not out of “bah humbug” spirit but quiet discomfort.

  
  

• A usually upbeat colleague whose energy feels just a little dimmer.

  
  

As leaders, we have the privilege, and responsibility, to notice.

So, amid the tinsel, targets, and to-do lists, take a moment to check in. Ask how people are really doing. Create space for flexibility and understanding - whether that’s offering quieter break areas, supporting wellbeing initiatives, or simply reminding your teams that it’s okay not to feel festive.

Encourage empathy to flow as freely as the prosecco. Remind line managers that kindness is a powerful leadership tool. And don’t forget to look after yourself too. HR and business leaders often spend the season looking after everyone else.

Because the true magic of Christmas in the workplace isn’t the parties or the presents - it’s the people.

So go ahead and hang the tinsel, blast “Last Christmas,” and raise a glass to another year’s hard work.

But as you do, remember: the most meaningful gift you can give your team this season is your time, care, and understanding.